Levon Satamian | January 2nd, 2019
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently sitting in 6th place, with a record of 21-16, 3.5 GB of 1st place. However, the Lakers do not have LeBron for at least one more game. The young guys, led by Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma need to continue stepping up and taking over games in LeBron’s absence.
Oklahoma City 1/2
The Lakers host the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight, and it’s going to be a challenge for them. The Thunder are a great defensive team and the Thunder’s Big 3 in Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Steven Adams will be a handful. The Lakers need to get off to a fast start. Brandon Ingram needs to continue being the playmaker. The young core in Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart need to have big performances to keep up with OKC. I think the Thunder will win this game.
New York Knicks 1/4
On Friday, the Lakers will host the Knicks. LeBron may be back for this game. I think regardless, the Lakers will win because I don’t think the Knicks can match up with them. L.A. could run the Knicks off the court, led by Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Kyle Kuzma. Since the Western Conference is so close, the Lakers have little margin for error. Lakers need this win on Friday, especially if they lose on Wednesday.
Minnesota Timberwolves 1/6
On Sunday, the Lakers travel to Minnesota, for a meeting against the Timberwolves. If LeBron does not return on Friday, he will likely return against the Timberwolves. If LeBron plays Sunday, the Lakers will win this game. If he doesn’t play on Sunday either, it will be a tough game to win on the road. I don’t think the Lakers will win on Sunday, but they will keep it close.
As I said earlier, the Western Conference has little to no margin of error. L.A. can’t afford to lose many games. If they get LeBron back this week, they will finish the week with a 2-1 record. If James doesn’t play, they will finish this week with a 1-2 record. However, the game on Sunday could come down to the wire and Lakers could get the win. All in all, they need to be healthy come playoff time and they will be fine.
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